[Effects of a stepwise approach to behavioural problems in dementia: a cluster randomised controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether implementation of a stepwise multidisciplinary intervention ('STA OP!' ['STAND UP!']) is effective in reducing behavioural problems and depressive symptoms in nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled trial.

METHOD: We implemented the STA OP! protocol on the intervention units by training the entire multidisciplinary team. This team was trained in all 6 steps of the protocol during five 3-hour sessions. Professionals working on the control unit received training on general technical nursing skills, dementia management and pain, but then without the stepwise component. All elderly care physicians were given additional training in pain management in patients with dementia, based on the guidelines on pain in vulnerable older people. Measurements were taken at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. We used longitudinal 'multilevel' techniques to correct for clustering of data (e.g. at unit level) for statistical analysis (Dutch Trial Register: NTR1967).

RESULTS: A total of 288 residents with dementia were included, from 12 nursing homes (21 units): 148 in the intervention group in 11 units and 140 in the control group in 10 units. On the units where the STA OP! protocol was used there was a significant decline in agitation, neuropsychiatric symptoms and depression compared with the control units at 6 months. Furthermore, use of anti-depressive medication was significantly lower on the intervention units (odds ratio: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.10-0.98).

CONCLUSION: This cluster RCT revealed that the stepwise multidisciplinary intervention STA OP! is effective in reducing behavioural problems and use of psycho-pharmaceuticals in nursing home residents with dementia.